Explore every episode of the podcast Plant Your Seed

Dr. Akil Taher is the author of OPEN HEART a book that chronicles his transformational journey. Dr. Taher had angioplasty at 56, open heart surgery at 61, and ran his first half marathon less than a year later. He then proceeded to run the Chicago, Boston, and Mumbai marathons, and also climbed mountains. He transformed from a middle-aged couch potato with a dangerously bad diet into a vital, energetic athlete, ever seeking new challenges and adventures. His whole food plant-based diet played a major part in his transformation.

Guy Vaknin is a renowned chef famous for his innovative plant-based creations. After serving in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), Vaknin moved to New York in 2005 to study computer engineering. But he quickly realized that his calling was in the food industry. Chef Vaknin then enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education. Upon graduating in 2007, he became the Executive Chef at Esprit Events, an established kosher catering company in Manhattan. In this role, he met his future wife and co-founder Tali. Together, they developed their signature vegan sushi and the Beyond Sushi brand was born. He is the founder and owner of City Roots Hospitality, New York City’s leading vegan restaurant group, which includes Beyond Sushi, Willow, and his latest vegan restaurant, Coletta.

beyondsushi.com
willownewyork.com
colettanyc.com
cityrootsnyc.com

Rachel McCrystal is the Executive Director at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. She has been at the Sanctuary for seven years. Rachel has volunteered for and worked at various animal rights, conservation, and sheltering organizations over the last 15 years with a focus on development, marketing, campaigns, and strategic planning. She’s been widely published with stories on animal rights and liberation.

Sarah Strickland is currently a junior in high school and the Lead Outreach Raven at the Raven Corps, a youth-led activist organization. Raven Corps current goal is to get big dairy out of schools and increase plant-based milk access in the over 100,000 schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program.

The Raven Corps is a youth-centered movement of activists devoted to building a just and sustainable future for ALL animals and our natural world. We take action through a consistent anti-oppression lens and trust that we can achieve liberation for ALL if we join forces and strike at the roots of oppression.

Jamie Logan is a NYC-based filmmaker, podcast host, and animal advocate who uses humor, health and fitness, public speaking, and social media to inspire others and cultivate change.

Stefanie Ignoffo is a plant interventionist, CEO & Founder of Plantspiration NFP Inc., and Food For Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine and has completed the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Coaching program. She advocates and promotes Lifestyle Medicine by educating, motivating, and inspiring people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle in order to prevent and reverse chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and chronic illnesses.

Kartikeya Talreja is a Los Angeles based certified Ayurvedic Nutritionist, Digestive Health and Lifestyle Coach. Ayurveda is one of the oldest health systems in the world which originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda believes that most diseases originate with imbalances in the digestive system. Kartikeya guides his clients who are suffering from digestive issues by educating them to eat a healthy whole food plant-based diet, spices, herbs, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle using the principles of Ayurveda.

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Dr. Mari Mitrani

In this episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Mari Mitrani, a physician-scientist and co-founder of Gattaca Genomics. With a passion for regenerative medicine and a vegan lifestyle, Dr. Mitrani shares her journey and insights into the world of preventive health and the power of plant-based living.

What You'll Learn:

• Dr. Mitrani's transition to a vegan lifestyle and the motivations behind her choice.

• The supportive role her family played in her vegan journey.

• Advice for those curious about starting a plant-based diet.

• The challenges Dr. Mitrani faced early in her vegan journey and how she overcame them.

• How she addresses curiosity about her plant-based diet and educates others.

• The importance of the motto "Dare to Fail" in Dr. Mitrani's personal and professional life.

• Leading by example to help others understand cognitive dissonance regarding diet and lifestyle.

• Dr. Mitrani's involvement in projects like Slay, They Are Trying To Kill Us, and Christspiracy.

• The particular resonance of veganism with women and Dr. Mitrani's perspective on this connection.

• The impact of being a vegan scientist-physician on Dr. Mitrani's life and career.

• Dr. Mitrani's passion for regenerative medicine and its future.

• Observations on the trend of doctors adopting plant-based diets and the responses from the medical community.

• Dr. Mitrani's experiences with pushback regarding her child's vegan diet and navigating those conversations.

• Recommended resources for those interested in exploring a plant-based diet.

• Insights into maintaining physical fitness and understanding one's body on a vegan diet.

• Strategies for staying committed to a plant-based diet amidst a busy schedule.

• Exciting developments in Dr. Mitrani's practice and what she looks forward to.

Timestamps:

• 1:07 - Vegan Diet Transition

• 3:42 - Family Support for Veganism

• 4:49 - Beginning a Plant-Based Lifestyle

• 5:49 - Initial Struggles with Veganism

• 7:02 - Educating Others About Vegan Diet

• 8:00 - "Dare to Fail" Philosophy

• 9:03 - Leading by Example

• 10:34 - Involvement in Vegan Projects

• 14:32 - Veganism's Appeal to Women

• 15:23 - Veganism in Science and Medicine

• 16:24 - Love for Regenerative Medicine

• 17:43 - Doctors Going Plant-Based

• 20:05 - Navigating Pushback

• 21:09 - Resources for Starting Vegan

• 22:52 - Veganism and Physical Fitness

• 24:13 - Staying Vegan While Busy

• 25:34 - Excitement in Practice

• 28:03 - Contacting Dr. Mitrani

Resources & Links:

• Follow Dr. Mitrani on Social Media: @marimitrani

• Dr. Mitrani's Recommended Resources: Slay and They're Trying To Kill Us

Dr. Mari Mitrani's story is a fascinating blend of scientific rigor and compassionate living, demonstrating that health and wellness thrive on a foundation of plant-based nutrition and preventive care.

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Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable advice from leaders in health, wellness, and sustainability.

Welcome to an insightful episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast, featuring the dynamic Jessica Karwat, a renowned Health Coach for Women, Vegan Nutritionist, TEDx Speaker, and Reiki Healer. Jessica shares her transformative journey and provides valuable insights into holistic health and vegan nutrition.

What You'll Learn:

• The inspiration behind Jessica’s transition to a plant-based diet.
• The obstacles she faced while switching to veganism and how she overcame them.
• An intimate look at Jessica’s struggle with an eating disorder and her path to recovery.
• Practical advice for those considering a plant-based lifestyle.
• The story of Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey and the bravery behind starting her business.
• Unique challenges women face in losing weight, especially on a plant-based diet.
• The relationship between food, menstrual cycles, and weight loss.
• Jessica’s passion for women’s health, veganism, and why it matters.
• How to connect with Jessica and follow her work for more insights and guidance.

Timestamps:

• 00:55 - Jessica’s Motivation for Plant-Based Diet
• 10:44 - Challenges in Transitioning to Veganism
• 19:10 - Jessica’s Personal Battle with an Eating Disorder
• 23:20 - Top Tips for Adopting a Plant-Based Diet
• 32:05 - The Courage to Start Her Business
• 36:54 - Women’s Weight Loss Challenges on a Plant-Based Diet
• 39:56 - Syncing Food with Menstrual Cycle for Weight Loss
• 49:25 - Jessica's Passion for Women's Health and Veganism
• 56:01 - Connecting with Jessica Karwat

Resources & Links:

• Follow Jessica Karwat on Social Media: iamjessicakarwat
• Jessica’s website and contact information: womensacademyoftransformation.com

Connect with Jessica:

• Instagram: iamjessicakarwat

Thank you for tuning into this powerful episode with Jessica Karwat. Her journey and dedication to improving women’s health through plant-based nutrition are truly inspirational. Whether you’re new to veganism or looking to deepen your understanding of holistic health, Jessica’s insights offer something for everyone.

Subscribe & Review:

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Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice aimed at fostering a healthier, more compassionate world.

Cassie Gaffaney is a tattoo artist and musician originally from New Zealand and now currently based in Las Vegas. Her vegan journey started after she saw the film, Joker. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in that movie had such a profound effect on her that it led her to LA Animal Saves Pig Vigils at Farmer Johns. She is passionate about living a compassionate lifestyle and supporting local animal rescues/organizations and sanctuaries and sharing the message of kindness for all beings.

Beth Love is the founder of Eat for the Earth, an ordained New Thought minister, and the author of the Tastes Like Love book series. She has brought a message of transformation to multiple audiences with her speaking and facilitation skills, in contexts as diverse as the California state prison system, schools, nonprofits, churches, radio, various online forums, local community television, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is known for her fierce commitment, wise counsel, strategic mind, and huge capacity for love.

Rev. Beth's life calling has taken many twists and turns but has always been centered on human transformation. She has taught in and run Montessori schools, helped to found a New Thought church and served in various capacities in that community for over 20 years, facilitated training on issues of power and privilege, run non-profit organizations focused on the topic of child abuse, and done extensive volunteer work with prison inmates.

Her current focus is running Eat for the Earth, a nonprofit organization that supports a human dietary shift towards more plants and fewer animal products to sustain all life on Earth. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at EatForTheEarth.org.

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Iye Bako | Iye Loves Life

Welcome to another compelling episode of the Plant Your Seed Podcast. This time, we are joined by the inspiring Iye Bako, a passionate advocate for veganism, social justice, beauty and wellness. With her roots in Nigeria and her life now in the United States, Iye shares her unique journey and how it has shaped her mission today.

What You'll Learn:

• Iye's motivations for adopting a plant-based lifestyle and the impact it's had on her life.
• The challenges and rewards that came with transitioning to a vegan diet.
• The deeper meanings and personal convictions that resonate with Iye about veganism.
• How Iye's journey into activism began and its connection to her vegan lifestyle.
• The inspiration behind her influential Instagram page, Iye Loves Life.
• Strategies for making the vegan movement more inclusive, especially for people of color.
• Iye’s passionate reasons for her vegan advocacy.
• Exciting updates and ventures in Iye’s life.
• Tips and advice for maintaining a plant-based lifestyle.
• How listeners can connect with Iye and follow her journey.
  
  Timestamps:
• 00:54 - Introduction to Iye's vegan journey
  4:41 - Personal changes from adopting a plant-based diet
  6:40 - Overcoming struggles in transitioning to veganism
  9:42 - Deep dive into Iye's connection with veganism
  12:11 - Iye's entry into activism
  17:01 - The story behind Iye Loves Life Instagram
  19:32 - Discussing diversity in the vegan community
  20:42 - Iye's fervent belief in veganism
  26:02 - What's new and exciting in Iye’s life
  26:53 - Iye’s top tips for sticking to a vegan diet
  30:47 - How to stay connected with Iye

Resources Mentioned:
Iye Loves Life Instagram: @iyeloveslife

Connect with Iye:
Follow Iye on Instagram: @IyeLovesLife

Thank you for joining us for this enlightening conversation with Iye Bako. If you’re looking to blend veganism with activism or simply seeking to live a life aligned with compassion and wellness, Iye’s story is sure to inspire.

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you.

Tune in next time for more inspiring stories and practical advice aimed at fostering a healthier, more compassionate world.

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Anne Molina

Join us on this episode of the Plant Your Seed Podcast as we sit down with the compassionate Anne Molina, founder of Hogs & Kisses Farm Sanctuary. With nearly 13 years of living a vegan lifestyle, Anne has dedicated her life to rescuing farm animals and promoting a message of love and respect for all beings.

What You'll Learn:

• The origins and inspirations behind Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary.

• Unexpected aspects and challenges of running an animal sanctuary.

• Strategies and motivations for continuous operation in sanctuary management.

• Practical advice for individuals aspiring to start their own sanctuary.

• An introduction to the concept of micro sanctuaries and their significance.

• Future ambitions and plans for the growth of Hogs & Kisses.

• The most fulfilling aspects of life at the sanctuary.

• Anne's personal journey to veganism and its impact on her life.

• Effects of veganism on Anne’s social and family dynamics.

• The driving force behind Anne’s passion for animal welfare.

• Ways to connect with Anne and support Hogs & Kisses Farm Sanctuary.

Timestamps:

• 00:47 - Founding Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary

• 3:02 - Surprises of Sanctuary Life

• 7:14 - Sustaining Sanctuary Operations

• 10:02 - Advice for New Sanctuary Founders

• 12:53 - Explaining Micro Sanctuaries

• 16:41 - Future Visions for Hogs & Kisses

• 23:55 - Joyful Moments at the Sanctuary

• 26:41 - Anne’s Vegan Transition Story

• 35:30 - Veganism’s Impact on Personal Relationships

• 40:44 - Anne’s Advocacy for Animals

• 47:07 - Connecting with Anne Molina

Connect with Hogs and Kisses:

• Instagram: @hogskisses

• Website: hogsandkisses.org

Resources & Links:

• MicroSanctuary.org

• OpenSanctuary.org

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Ella Magers | Sexy Fit Vegan

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Ella Magers, the vibrant force behind Sexy Fit Vegan®. With 29 years of vegan living, Ella brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and energy to the discussion on transforming lives through compassionate choices and fitness. Ella is also a Board Member at Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary.

What You'll Learn:
Ella’s personal journey from a meat-eating background to becoming a passionate vegan advocate.
The founding of Sexy Fit Vegan® and the mission behind it.
Practical advice for those looking to transition to a plant-based diet without feeling overwhelmed.
The intertwining relationship between fitness, nutrition, and mental health in Ella's life and coaching.
How to use compassion as a guiding principle for lifestyle changes and personal development.

Timestamps:
00:59 - Introduction to Ella Magers and her vegan journey.
10:11 - What it was like to be a vegan kid.
17:37 - Challenges and rewards of transitioning to a plant-based diet.
19:34 - Combining veganism with fitness: Tips and strategies.
21:40 - The importance of self-love in the journey towards wellness.
31:52 - Sexy Fit Vegan success story
36:08 - What is next for Sexy Fit Vegan?
39:52 - Ella’s advice for newcomers to the plant-based lifestyle.
43:32 - Closing thoughts and where to find more about Ella Magers.

Resources Mentioned:
Sexy Fit Vegan® website

Connect with Ella:
Instagram: @SexyFitVegan
Facebook: Sexy Fit Vegan 
YouTube: Sexy Fit Vegan Channel 
Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary

Thank you for tuning in to this episode with Ella Magers. If you’re inspired to make a change or want to learn more about living a compassionate, fit, and healthy lifestyle, make sure to check out all the resources listed and follow Ella on social media for daily inspiration and guidance.

Remember, the journey to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle starts with one small step. Let’s continue to plant seeds of positivity, health, and compassion together.

Subscribe & Review:
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to the Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you.
Tune in next week for another inspiring episode aimed at empowering you on your journey to a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle!

Rey Ortega is a pioneer in the plant-based sector with over 30 years of experience. In 1994, he founded the Alternative Baking Company, one of the first vegan cookie brands on the market, which generated $1 million in sales in 1995. In 1997, he founded Sun Flour Baking Co. to create new flavors, tastes, textures, and nutrition products with a longer shelf life and higher profit margins. With extensive knowledge across the entire product life cycle, he is an experienced formulator within the industry, has designed three facilities, and has sold millions of vegan cookies, keeping eggs and dairy out of the mouths of many. Besides owning five plant-based brands, he has also published two children's books and is an expert at cannabis infusion for topical and edible products.

Jo-Anne is an award-winning photojournalist, sought-after speaker, photo editor, and the founder of We Animals Media. She has visited over sixty countries to document our complex relationship with animals. She is the author of three books: We Animals (2014), Captive (2017), and HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene (2020), and is the subject of Canadian filmmaker Liz Marshall's acclaimed Canadian documentary, The Ghosts in Our Machine. Jo-Anne's photographs have received accolades from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature Photographer of the Year, Big Picture, AEFONA, Picture of the Year International, the Global Peace Award, and others. In 2020, Jo-Anne was thrilled to be a member of the jury for World Press Photo. She hails from Toronto, Canada.

weanimalsmedia.org

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Jennifer White

Join us on Plant Your Seed Podcast as we welcome Jennifer White, who shares her transformative journey to veganism after a pivotal reading of Jonathan Safran Foer’s book, Eating Animals, an eye-opening experience gifted by her aunt and uncle. Discover how her path led her from vegetarianism to veganism and eventually to a key role at PETA UK, aligning her career with her ethical beliefs.

What You'll Learn:

• Jennifer's Vegan Transition: How and when Jennifer adopted a plant-based lifestyle.
• Family Reaction to Influential Book: Insights into her family’s reaction to the catalyst of her vegan journey.
• Realizations Post-Book: The moment Jennifer understood the full impact of the book on her views.
• Challenges in Vegan Transition: The difficulties Jennifer faced moving from vegetarianism to veganism.
• Professional Alignment with Values: How working for PETA UK helped Jennifer align her actions with her values.
• Health Improvements: Changes Jennifer observed in her health and well-being since going vegan.
• Impact on Athletic Performance: How her vegan diet has affected her running and athletic endeavors.
• Influencing Others: Jennifer's approach to changing people’s opinions about veganism.
• Social and Family Dynamics: The effects of Jennifer’s plant-based diet on her social and family life.
• Addressing Vegan Misconceptions: How Jennifer responds to misconceptions and criticisms about plant-based eating.
• Passion for Veganism: What drives Jennifer’s deep passion for vegan advocacy.
• Life Changes and Motivation: How being vegan has altered Jennifer's life and what keeps her motivated.
• Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance: Strategies to help others address and overcome cognitive dissonance related to diet and lifestyle.
• Professional Challenges: Challenges Jennifer faces in her role at PETA UK.
• Measuring Impact: How Jennifer assesses the effectiveness of her efforts in making a difference.
• PETA UK Initiatives: Current projects and involvements of PETA UK.
• Job Responsibilities: A look into Jennifer’s daily tasks and responsibilities at PETA UK.
• Addressing Apathy: How Jennifer handles apathy towards animal rights and veganism.
• Rewards of the Job: The most rewarding aspects of her work.
• Current Excitements: Exciting developments in Jennifer’s life and career.
• Source of Courage: Where Jennifer finds the courage to pursue her passions and make significant changes.

Timestamps:

• 0:52 - Transition to Plant-Based Diet
• 2:36 - Reaction to Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book
• 4:08 - Realization from the Book
• 5:42 - Challenges After Becoming Vegetarian
• 7:10 - Not Challenging the Status Quo
• 8:01 - Working for PETA UK
• 10:35 - Health Changes
• 11:52 - Vegan Diet and Running
• 14:08 - Influencing Opinions
• 15:34 - Impact on Social and Family Life
• 16:34 - Addressing Misconceptions
• 17:39 - Passion for Veganism
• 19:02 - Life Changes Due to Veganism
• 19:54 - Staying Motivated
• 21:13 - Assisting Cognitive Dissonance
• 22:16 - Challenges in Role
• 23:46 - Measuring Impact
• 25:49 - PETA UK Involvements
• 27:14 - Job Details
• 28:13 - Dealing with Apathy
• 29:33 - Rewarding Aspects of the Job
• 30:09 - Current Excitement
• 31:43 - Finding Courage
• 32:45 - Recommended Resources
• 37:40 - Contacting Jennifer White

Resources & Links:

• Contact Jennifer White and learn more about her initiatives: TikTok
• Recommended resources for transitioning to a plant-based diet: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

Subscribe & Review: If Jennifer's journey inspires you, subscribe to the Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review. Your engagement helps us bring these impactful stories to a wider audience.

Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the journeys of individuals making a difference through health, wellness, and sustainability.

Crystal Bonnet is a professional raw vegan chef and founder of the raw culinary school Crystal Dawn Culinary. She also cooks and develops recipes for raw retreats and vegan restaurants across the globe.

Website: crystaldawnculinary.com
Cookbook: The Art of Raw Desserts: 50 Standout Recipes for Plant-Based Cakes, Pastries, Pies, Cookies and More

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Angela Yvonne

Join us on the Plant Your Seed Podcast as we welcome Angela Yvonne, a vibrant advocate for veganism whose journey began with a powerful personal realization about the impact of diet on health. Angela shares her transformative story from learning about her mother's diet-related illness to embracing a plant-based lifestyle and spreading awareness through her work, including her initiative "Vegan Pop Eats."

What You'll Learn:

• Angela's Transition to a Plant-Based Diet: Details on how and when Angela made the switch to veganism.
• Impact of Family Health on Dietary Choices: Angela discusses the emotional impact of her mother's illness and how it influenced her decision to change her diet.
• Health Improvements Post Transition: Insights into the changes Angela noticed in her health and wellbeing since adopting a vegan diet.
• Guidance for New Vegans: Angela offers advice for those considering a plant-based lifestyle.
• Evolving Food Perspectives: How Angela's views on food have shifted since her transition.
• Overcoming Transition Challenges: The obstacles Angela faced when shifting to a vegan diet and her strategies for overcoming them.
• Addressing Vegan Misconceptions: How Angela responds to common misconceptions about veganism.
• Challenges in Media Production: Angela discusses the hurdles of creating a TV pilot focused on veganism.
• Passion for Veganism: What drives Angela's strong passion for promoting veganism.
• Starting "Vegan Pop Eats": The inspiration and courage behind launching her vegan-focused platform.
• Recommended Resources: Angela shares valuable resources for anyone transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Timestamps:

• 0:45 - Transition to Plant-Based Diet
• 5:16 - Reaction to Family Health Revelation
• 9:05 - Detailed Vegan Transition Process
• 10:52 - Health Changes Post-Diet Transition
• 12:44 - Advice for New Vegans
• 15:12 - Changed Perspectives on Food
• 18:18 - Challenges During Transition
• 19:33 - Addressing Vegan Misconceptions
• 28:02 - TV Pilot Creation Challenges
• 36:02 - Passion for Veganism
• 38:17 - Launching "Vegan Pop Eats"
• 41:21 - Resources for Going Vegan
• 43:43 - Contacting Angela Yvonne

Resources & Links:

• Follow Angela Yvonne on Social Media: Instagram
• Vegan Pop Eats: https://www.veganpopeats.com/

Subscribe & Review: Inspired by Angela’s story? Don’t forget to subscribe to Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review. Your engagement helps us bring more stories like Angela’s to our audience.

Stay tuned for more episodes that inspire, educate, and empower you towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

This is a Plant Your Seed podcast original concept... Catch-Up Conversation! We are finding out what's new with a former guest, Wendy Smith from Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge! Odd Man Inn's mission is to provide lifelong sanctuary care to vulnerable animals and educate to inspire compassionate living. Wendy is a military veteran, a registered nurse, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the organization.

oddmaninn.org

The Tattons are the co-founders of BReD, a B-Corp certified vegan sourdough bakery located in the premier ski and mountain bike resort of Whistler, BC, Canada. The bakery specializes in sourdough and vegan baked goods. The BReD cookbook is an homage to the Tattons' bakery and mission to inform and provide their community with cruelty-free food.

edsbred.com

The Healthy Voyager, aka Carolyn Scott, is the creator and host of The Healthy Voyager web series, site, and overall brand. An award-winning healthy, special diet and green living and travel expert, holistic nutritionist, plant-based vegan chef, best-selling cookbook author, media spokesperson, sought-after speaker, consultant, and television personality, Carolyn Scott is a respected figure in the world of healthy lifestyle and travel as well as special diet cooking and nutrition. The Healthy Voyager aims to help people live well, one veggie at a time!

Brad King is the founder of Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary-based animal rights organization that focuses on education and awareness. 

Imagine a place where animals who've been bred to live short, painful, and uncomfortable lives in the commercial food industry… get to live happily and at peace without fear and stress. That place is Farm Animal Rescue which is located on 55 acres in the Dayboro Valley, 45 minutes north-west of Brisbane, Australia.

farmanimalrescue.org.au

Erin & Dusty Stanczyk are certified health & lifestyle coaches and creators of the lifestyle brand and website, EatMoveRest.com. Together with their two children, Max and Liv, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Beau, they inspire and empower others to get back to the basics, by doing the 3 things we all do every day... eat, move, and rest!

You can find the plant-powered family of four blending, juicing, and chopping on Instagram @ErinStanczyk, @DBStanczyk, @EatMoveRest and on the EatMoveRest YouTube channel. In their free time, they enjoy photography and videography, traveling, and hosting local dinner gatherings, demos, and workshops. The family also hosts plant-based wellness retreats around the world, where they get to connect with many of their online friends and followers. Join them in their new private online community, the EatMoveRest Club, to gain access to their meal planner & recipe app, entire ebook collection, exclusive Facebook group, weekly livestream Q&As, and more!

Joshua Weilerstein enjoys a flourishing orchestral conducting career across the globe and has forged close relationships with many of the world's finest orchestras and soloists. He is also the host of the popular classical music podcast, Sticky Notes. He lives in London with his wife Bernice and their two rabbits, Abby and Benji.

After many years of treating serious childhood diseases, Dr. Ettinger turned his focus to wellness and prevention. In 2021, he founded the Doctor Herbivore telehealth practice to teach families how to thrive while eating plant-based, especially when there are weight concerns.  Dr. Ettinger enjoys helping families change course to a plant-strong path for their health, animals, social justice, and the environment.

Danielle Medina is the creator of Fit N Play Mama LLC, a fitness/ yoga and nutrition education resource for adults and children. Whether she is writing articles, conducting interviews, or teaching her educational webinars, classes, and workshops, Danielle loves sharing her knowledge with a variety of audiences on taking back their health and living their best life.

fitnplaymama.com

Kate is relentlessly focused on creating a healthy, happy, compassionate vegan world. She specializes in creating the Mindset that makes your best eating and exercising choices simple and sustainable. Kate first got into fitness as a way to transform her body and confidence. She has spent 17 years helping thousands of individuals sculpt a body and life they love and over the past 7 years has focused on Vegan Health Coaching as one of the most powerful ways to advocate for animals is to be fit, strong, and healthy.

Theresa "Sam" Houghton has been eating a plant-based diet for 13 years and is the author of The Whole Food Plant-Based Diet Starter Guide. As Chief Nerd at The Modern Health Nerd, she helps plant-based and better-for-you brands understand their customers and create better long-form content. She's a graduate of both the Bauman College Nutrition Consultant program and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate program, which gives her a unique perspective on plant-based health and content marketing.

Ralph Montague is a longevity coach from Monmouthshire, Great Britain. He focuses on sleep and energy mastery. His passion for longevity evolved from working within the anti-aging industry for over twenty years. His first book within the STOP!! Series, is aptly named STOP!! Killing yourself – The Beginners Guide to Living Longer by Removing and Improving, encouraging readers to maximize their longevity with easy-to-follow guidance, checklists, and prompts is out now! Ralph also has just finished his next project; Sleep Mastery courses, helping individuals and companies achieve rested and rejuvenating sleep habits. He plans to have a series of books dedicated to longevity, sleep, and energy with simplistic, no-nonsense advice, for minimal fuss and maximum results.

Passionate vegan and photographer since 2009, Kelly uses her photographs to invite viewers into the amazing and meaningful lives farmed animals live. She shows a kinder world for farmed animals is possible in her strikingly beautiful images captured through her work at Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary in Australia.

Mathilde Do Chi is an international food law consultant passionate about modernizing our global food system to tackle climate change, improve people's health and remove animals from our plates.

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Jennifer Calabria

In this episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Calabria, who shares her transformative journey from a traditional diet to adopting a fully plant-based lifestyle. Jennifer recounts her health scare that prompted her dietary shift, her challenges with quitting smoking, cheese, and alcohol simultaneously, and how she's now influencing the culinary world, including her involvement with a steakhouse that introduced vegan options.

What You'll Learn:

• Jennifer’s Vegan Transition: Hear about Jennifer's transition to a plant-based diet, what triggered it, and her initial feelings during a difficult hospitalization.
• Embracing a Vegan Lifestyle: Learn about the significant lifestyle changes Jennifer made and how she managed the transition.
• Challenges and Overcoming Them: Discover the struggles Jennifer faced when quitting smoking, cheese, and drinking all at once and how she coped.
• Advice for New Vegans: Jennifer shares valuable tips for those starting on a plant-based path.
• Health and Wellness Improvements: Insights into the positive changes Jennifer experienced in her health and well-being after going vegan.
• Evolving Perspectives: How Jennifer's views have shifted since becoming vegan.
• Educational Resources: The role of documentaries in Jennifer's vegan education.
• Impact on Personal Relationships: Effects of Jennifer's vegan lifestyle on her family and social connections.
• Addressing Misconceptions: Strategies Jennifer uses to respond to common misconceptions about veganism.
• Professional Integration: Jennifer discusses her involvement in developing a vegan menu at a steakhouse and its reception.
• Culinary Innovations: Insights into why chefs might resist vegan options and the importance of texture in vegan food.
• Staff Training: How Jennifer helped train staff to be knowledgeable about vegan menu items.
• Career Transformation: The courage behind Jennifer's decision to change her career path towards veganism.
• Current Excitements: What's currently thrilling Jennifer in her vegan culinary projects.

Timestamps:

• 0:55 - Transition to Plant-Based Diet
• 2:18 -  Hospitalization Experience
• 3:49 - The Change to Veganism
• 6:23 -  Dealing with the Vegan Transition
• 7:24 -  Quitting Smoking, Cheese, and Drinking
• 8:25 -  Advice for New Vegans
• 9:03 -  Health Improvements
• 9:42 -  Change in Perspective
• 11:16 -  Watching Documentaries
• 15:35 - Family and Social Life Impact
• 17:27 -  Responding to Misconceptions
• 18:45 - Vegan Menu at Steakhouse
• 23:53 - Chef’s Views on Vegan Items
• 27:23 - Vegan Menu Items
• 29:49 - Importance of Texture in Vegan Food
• 31:38 - Training Staff on Vegan Menu
• 33:50 - Courage for Career Change
• 34:50 - Exciting Current Projects
• 35:41 - Resources for Starting Vegan
• 36:59 - Contacting Jennifer Calabria

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Jennifer on Instagram
• Recommended vegan documentaries and resources mentioned by Jennifer
• The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health

Subscribe & Review: If Jennifer's story has inspired you, please subscribe to Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review. Your engagement helps us share transformative journeys like Jennifer's with a wider audience.

Stay tuned for more episodes that empower and inspire personal growth and healthy living through plant-based eating.

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Areina Plowden

Introduction:

Welcome to a flavorful episode of the Plant Your Seed Podcast featuring Areina Plowden, affectionately known as @theveganfoodie on Instagram. Joining us from the historic and vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, Areina shares her enriching journey as a vegan expat. Through her adventures, she has mastered the art of navigating cultural challenges, sourcing vegan ingredients, and adapting traditional recipes for a plant-based lifestyle, all while documenting her remarkable journey towards health and wellness.

What You'll Learn:

• Areina’s Journey to Veganism: Discover the motivations behind her transition to a plant-based diet and the health benefits she has experienced.

• Navigating Veganism Abroad: Insights into how Areina sources vegan ingredients and adapts traditional recipes in a non-vegan country.

• Overcoming Challenges: Areina discusses the hurdles of maintaining a vegan lifestyle in a new culture and her strategies for overcoming them.

• Cultural Integration and Veganism: Learn how Areina has embraced the local culture while adhering to her vegan values.

Timestamps:

• 0:53 - Transition to a Plant-Based Diet

• 2:40 - Changes in Health and Wellbeing

• 3:36 - Motivation for Veganism

• 5:19 - Perspective Shifts After Going Vegan

• 6:23 - Challenges of a Vegan Transition

• 7:18 - Family and Social Life Dynamics

• 8:11 - Hesitations Before Going Vegan

• 9:24 - Responding to Vegan Misconceptions

• 10:18 - Decision to Become an Expat

• 11:33 - Expat Challenges

• 15:30 - Enjoying Life Abroad

• 17:43 - Favorite Vegan-Friendly Country

• 19:48 - Courage to Live Abroad

• 21:39 - Exciting Developments in Vegan Lifestyle

• 23:11 - Tips for Vegan Expats

• 27:03 - Resources for Starting a Plant-Based Diet

• 28:11 - Favorite Plant-Based Meals

Resources & Links:

• Follow Areina Plowden on Instagram: @theveganfoodie

• Areina’s recommended vegan resources: @happycow

Subscribe & Review: Inspired by Areina’s culinary adventures and expat life? Subscribe to the Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Share how Areina’s story has inspired or influenced your vegan journey.

Stay tuned for more episodes that bring stories of transformation, wellness, and sustainability from around the globe.

Ray Star is a multi-award-winning author from England with a passion for nature, animals, and the Earth. Most known for the bestselling fantasy fiction trilogy Earthlings, a coming-of-age dystopian read for lovers of climate fiction and magical realism, that has been proclaimed 'one of the best vegan books of all time' and 'the vegan Harry Potter'.

As an author of Climate Fiction, Ray's books are published on recycled paper where possible and she plants 1 tree per book sale via Ecologi. It is Ray's dream to one day open The Peridot Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Reserve in England and that dream inspired Ray to close her business of 15 years to pursue a writing career.

When Ray isn't writing, she is happiest spending time with her children, family, and friends or walking with her dogs and spending time in nature. A firm believer of magick, Ray can often be found stargazing under the moon with a tarot deck in one hand and a strong cuppa in the other.

raystarbooks.com

Mike Stura is a Mechanic, Welder and Harley Davidson guy. He's not your typical vegan but Mike owns and runs Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in New Jersey.

Mike started Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue with one tiny piece of land and a few small animals. That tiny piece of land grew to become an entire farm full of rescued souls. These animals are rescued from slaughterhouses, live markets, farms, extreme neglect, abuse, religious ceremonies, abandonment, and are even found wandering streets…

No matter where they are from or from what dire circumstances they escape, they are provided with proper veterinary care, the best foods, water, a safe place to live, eat and sleep as well as lots of love around the clock.

Every animal requires room to run and live unencumbered by the threat of harm and each one gets exactly what they need at the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue.

To help the animals and Mike at Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue donate by going to skylandssanctuary.org

Maxime Sigouin is a leading fitness coach, entrepreneur, and athlete with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He is the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching, dedicated to helping people adopt a healthier lifestyle through plant-based nutrition and exercise. Maxime is also a highly accomplished athlete who has competed in Ironman and Spartan races, and cycling events for cancer research. His mission to help 1 million people by 2050 is reflected in his range of services, including one-on-one coaching, online courses, and community support. Maxime's dedication to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle inspires others to reach new heights.

Jackie Norman is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker and podcast host. As a former dairy farmer of 18 years turned vegan activist, she uses her extensive insight and experience of 'both sides' to build bridges of communication and open minds and hearts. A PTSD survivor, Jackie credits her WFPB diet with helping her manage and overcome some of the debilitating conditions associated with trauma, such as IBS and chronic pain.

Dr. Eduardo Corassa is a clinical nutritionist with an emphasis on raw and plant-based diets. He is the author of nine books, six online courses, an international speaker, and the creator of Saúde Frugal.

Frances is the Founder and President of Vegan Wines, a completely vegan-friendly wine club, and Despacito Distributors, a plant-based wine distribution company.

Frances has acquired nuanced expertise and made many connections in the wine industry through her work building these two companies. Her background, however, delves deeper than entrepreneurship. She is also an active member of Women of the Vine & Spirits, an organization that fosters a supportive environment for females in the alcoholic beverage industry. Frances also has extensive experience in the vegan and plant-based markets. She has sponsored conferences like the Plant-Based World Expo and founded VegFest Puerto Rico, a nonprofit established in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

veganwines.com

Michelle Cehn is the founder of the popular vegan food and lifestyle website World of Vegan, co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast, and the creative force behind @Vegan on Instagram, where she has brought together a plant-passionate community over one million strong. Michelle is also the author of The Friendly Vegan Cookbook, and a speaker, writer, filmmaker, YouTube personality, and mama on a mission to create a better future for our world.

Michelle's Resources:

World of Vegan: https://www.worldofvegan.com/
Michelles Website: https://www.michellecehn.com/
Plant-Powered People Podcast: plantpoweredpodcast.com
The Friendly Vegan Cookbook: friendlyvegancookbook.com
Meal Plans: plantbasedmealplan.com
Mini Documentary: plantbasedmealplan.com/7days
World of Vegan Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62ed6e9be5ea6b3d8aea45f8

Social Media Links

instagram.com/vegan
youtube.com/worldofvegan
facebook.com/worldofvegan
twitter.com/worldofvegan
pinterest.com/worldofvegan
tiktok.com/@worldofvegan
linkedin.com/in/michellecehn/

About World of Vegan
World of Vegan is a food and lifestyle website making vegan living fun, delicious, easy, and accessible to all. With vibrant social media channels and over 1 million Instagram followers, World of Vegan reaches the community with a positive, welcoming, friendly vibe and provides resources, guides, and tools to help you learn, evolve, eat incredible food, and live your best life.

Jered Camp is a paramedic turned co-founder of Iowa Farm Sanctuary, Iowa's first farm animal sanctuary. He rescues and provides loving care to abused and neglected animals while advocating for animal welfare and a more compassionate world.

iowafarmsanctuary.org

Toni Okamoto is the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, the popular website and meal plan that shows you how to save dough by eating veggies. She's also the author of the Plant-Based on a Budget Cookbook, and the co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast. Okamoto's work has been profiled by NPR, NBC News, Parade Magazine, and she's a regular presence on local and national morning shows across the country, where she teaches viewers how to break their meat habit without breaking their budget. She was also featured in the popular documentary What the Health. When she's not cooking up a plant-based storm, she's spending time with her husband and their rescued dog in Sacramento, CA.

Nancy Leeds Gribble is the Founder and CEO of NourishLiftGrow. She is a Women's Wellness and Weight-loss Coach, Plant-Based Culinary Nutrition Expert. Nancy specializes in empowering women in midlife and beyond. She provides them with the tools and guidance they need for optimal health, weight loss, hormone balance, and body confidence. Her goal is to re-energize their vitality so they can make their second season of life their best season!

Ben Hagerty is an essayist and travel writer for the website, It's Bree and Ben, which he co-founded with his wife, Bree Nemiroff. Since 2017, he and Brianne have visited and written about vegan businesses in more than 60 destinations throughout Canada and the U.S.

In 2020, Ben and Bree relocated to Vancouver, BC, where he conducted his thesis project about vegan entrepreneurship in the neighborhoods of Kitsilano and Mt. Pleasant. The entirety of his project may be found in his academic blog series, Ben's Vegan Vancouver, located on his website.

Sersie Blue is a health coach and Gigi Carter is a nutritionist. Together, they have a new book, Daniel Fast: Why You Should Only Do It Once. This book empowers the reader to take charge of their health by using the Daniel Fast as a jumping-off point to a long-term sustainable whole food, plant-based vegan lifestyle.

danielfasttohealthyliving.com

Trey Morrow is an animal liberation activist from South Carolina, USA. He is the co-founder of Animal Activism Mentorship, a program that empowers humans to take action for animals by providing one-on-one mentorship and a supportive community.

Susan Klingenberg is the founder and president of Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary.
In 2017, Susan made a bucket list, which included saving a life at a livestock auction. The life that was saved was a one-day-old baby calf who she named Bucket. Just being ripped from his mom, Susan became his new mom and he befriended her dog Colton. Watching Bucket and Colton interact everyday, Susan saw that Bucket was no different than Colton. A grass puppy.
Bucket wanted to be loved, he wanted to give his love, he wanted to run and play, take naps, and have chin scratches just like Colton. Bucket inspired Susan to make her dream of a sanctuary happen so that she could save as many lives as possible just like Bucket's and she wanted to be able to show the public a side of farm animals that most people never get to see, all in the hopes that they will make that connection and want to go vegan for the animals.

Megan Pereira is the founder of Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary, located in CT. She works full time as a mixed animal Veterinary Technician with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. She coordinates all potential rescues and tends to the medical needs of all the animals as well as running day-to-day activities at Road to Refuge.